ASN Report 2020

These devices, which function using the principle of X‑ray attenuation, are used as industrial gauges (measurement of drum filling, thickness measurement, etc.), inspection of goods containers or luggage and also the detection of foreign bodies in foodstuffs. The increase in the number of types of device available on the market can be explained more particularly by the fact that when possible, they replace devices containing radioactive sources. The advantages of this technology with regard to radiation protection are linked in particular to the total absence of ionising radiation when the equipment is not in use. Their utilisation does nevertheless lead to worker exposure levels that are comparable with those resulting from the use of devices containing radioactive sources. Baggage inspection Ionising radiation is used constantly in security screening checks, whether for the systematic verification of baggage or to determine the content of suspect packages. The smallest and most widely used devices are installed at the inspection and screening checkpoints in airports, in museums, at the entrance to certain buildings, etc. The devices with the largest inspection tunnel areas are used for screening large baggage items and hold baggage in airports, as well as for air freight inspections. These devices are supplemented by tomographs, which give a series of series of cross-sectional images of the object being examined. The irradiation zone inside these appliances is sometime delimited by doors, but most often simply by one or more lead curtains. X‑ray body scanners This application is mentioned for information only, since the use of X‑ray scanners on people during security checks is prohibited in France (in application of Article L. 1333-18 of the Public Health Code). Some experiments have been carried out in France using non-ionising imaging technologies (millimetre waves). Inspection of consumer goods The use of devices for detecting foreign bodies in certain consumer products has developed over the last few years, such as for detecting unwanted items in food products or cosmetics. X‑ray diffraction analysis Research laboratories are making increasing use of small devices of this type, which are self-shielded. Experimental devices used for X‑ray diffraction analysis can however be built by experimenters themselves with parts obtained from various suppliers (goni- ometer, sample holder, tube, detector, high-voltage generator, control console, etc.). X‑ray fluorescence analysis Portable X‑ray fluorescence devices are used for the analysis of metals and alloys. Measuring parameters These devices, which operate on the principle of X‑ray attenu­ ation, are used as industrial gauges for measuring fluid levels in cylinders or drums, for detecting leaks, for measuring thicknesses or density, etc. Irradiation treatment More generally used for performing irradiations, the self-shielded devices exist in several models that sometimes differ only in the size of the self-shielded chamber, while the characteristics of the X‑ray generator remain the same. Industrial radiography Radiography for checking the quality of weld beads or for the fatigue inspection of materials is detailed in point 3.1.1. 1.3.2 Veterinary diagnostic radiology In 2020, the profession counted 18,874 veterinary surgeons, some 13,300 non-veterinarian employees (counted in full-time equivalents) and 6,653 veterinary practices and clinics. Veterinary surgeons use diagnostic radiology devices for purposes similar to those used in human medicine. Veterinary diagnostic radiology activities essentially concern pets. ∙ some 5,250 veterinary clinics in France have at least one diagnostic radiology device; ∙ around 60 Computed Tomography (CT) scanners are used in veterinary applications; ∙ other practices drawn from the medical sector are also imple­ mented in specialised centres: scintigraphy, brachytherapy, external-beam radiotherapy and interventional radiology. The treatment of large animals (mainly horses) requires the use of more powerful devices installed in specially equipped premises (radiography of the pelvis, for example) and portable X‑ray generators, used indoors – whether in dedicated premises or not – or outdoors. In order to better ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, ASN introduced a notification system in 2009 for what were termed “canine activities” involving less serious radiation risks (see point 2.4.2). This simplification has led to regularisation of the administrative situation of a growing number of veterinary clinics (see Graph 4), with more than 90% of the clinics being notified or licensed. To further improve the grading of the regulatory requirements in relation to the radiation risks, all activities using electrical devices emitting ionising radiation for veterinary diagnostic radiology, with the exception of pet-care activities which will remain eligible for the notification system, will come under the future registration system (see point 2.4.3) that will be put in place during 2021. Consequently, only a few high-risk activities (scintigraphy, brachytherapy, external-beam radiotherapy and interventional radiology) stemming from the medical sector will remain subject to licensing. The devices used in the veterinary sector are sometimes derived from the medical sector. However, the profession is increasingly adopting new devices specially developed to meet its own specific needs. With regard to veterinary clinics, the administrative situation has been continuously improving for a number of years now. At the end of 2020, ASN counted 5,250 notified or licensed facilities, that is to say virtually all of the veterinary clinics identified as using ionising radiation in France. Among the veterinary activities, those performed on large animals (mainly horses) outside specialised veterinary practices (under “worksite” conditions), are considered to be those with the most significant radiation risks, more specifically for persons external to the veterinary practice taking part in these procedures (horse owners and stable lads). The inspections carried out by ASN on these veterinary practices over several years have revealed areas for improvement on which ASN remains vigilant when reviewing license applications and performing inspections: ∙ in-house radiation protection controls and verifications; ∙ setting up radiological zoning and the monitoring of occupa­ tional exposure by active dosimetry. These two findings must nevertheless be put into perspective in view of the regulatory changes introduced by Decree 2018-437 of 4 June 2018 on the protection of workers against ionising radiation, which modified the conditions for setting up and delimiting operation zones; 244 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2020 08 – SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL, VETERINARY AND RESEARCH APPLICATIONS